I understand maybe they were trying to make them easier to collect but damn I hate that noise . . .

To my knowledge they have always made that sound (at least in Oblivion).

Oh but its such a buetiful sound with magical positive ambience. Am pretty happy Nirnroots are a little more louder not for any collecting but for the mystical ambience they give off as if sending out a protective aura to all who can hear their musical shine.